Case for keeping Seanad not helped by rate of absenteeism

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has the Seanad in his target sights at the moment – and will soon be giving voters the chance to pull the trigger. A key step will be taken today when the Cabinet approves the bill to hold a referendum on abolishing the Seanad.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has the Seanad in his target sights at the moment – and will soon be giving voters the chance to pull the trigger. A key step will be taken today when the Cabinet approves the bill to hold a referendum on abolishing the Seanad.

So it was never more important for senators to be on their best behaviour and using what could be the last days of the Seanad to maximum effect.

But it hardly helps the Seanad's cause that a quarter of its senators have a 14pc-plus absenteeism rate in the first four months of this year. Many valid reasons have been given – such as medical illnesses and official duties abroad.

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